The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the completion of its initial steps to implement President Trump's Executive Order, which aims to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government. As part of this move, nearly 60 employees who were focused on DEI activities have been placed on paid administrative leave. The total annual salary for these employees amounts to over $8 million, averaging more than $136,000 per employee annually. Among them is an individual earning more than $220,000 per year.

In addition to personnel changes, the VA is working to cancel several contracts related to DEI training, materials, and consulting services. These contracts have a combined value exceeding $6.1 million. The department plans to reallocate these resources in the coming weeks and months to better support veterans and their families.

The VA is also removing various DEI-related media from its digital platforms as part of this transition.

"Under President Trump, VA is laser-focused on providing the best possible care and benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors," stated Morgan Ackley, VA Director of Media Affairs. "We are proud to have abandoned the divisive DEI policies of the past and pivot back to VA’s core mission. We look forward to reallocating the millions of dollars the department was spending on DEI programs and personnel to better serve the men and women who have bravely served our nation."